HEAD OF COLLECTIONS Candidate Information Pack

August 2018

Contents 2

3 Welcome letter

4 Information for Candidates

9 Role Description

11 Person Specification

12 Terms and conditions

13 How to apply and timetable

14 Statements: (i) Equality (ii) Safeguarding

15 Further Information

16 Map of the Diocese

Appendices 17 Appendix 1: - Plan on a Page 2018 18 Appendix 2: Governance Structure 19 Appendix 3: Durham Cathedral Strategic Plan 2018-2020

Welcome letter 3

Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of We inhabit a treasured sacred space set in the natural Collections at Durham Cathedral. The Cathedral is and human landscape of the World Heritage Site. embarking on the next stage of our development and we are looking for an innovative, self-motivated and And this is the heart of our purpose: results driven team player to build on the strong To worship God, share the gospel of Jesus Christ, foundations laid in raising the profile of the welcome all who come, celebrate and pass on our Cathedral’s Library and collections, and Open rich Christian heritage, and discover our place in Treasure. God’s creation. We are seeking an individual who will not only share and practice an empathy with the Cathedral’s vision, This is not only a special opportunity to be part of the mission and values, but also draw on the inspiration Cathedral community, but a rare privilege to be able to of the Cathedral to play a key role toward the contribute to shaping and leading the future growth successful achievement of our strategic goals. and impact of Durham Cathedral by sharing the love Being a key member of our team of nearly one of God in Jesus Christ. We invite you to explore the thousand clergy, staff, volunteers and business treasures of Durham Cathedral, and we hope that you partners, you will have the opportunity to work in the will be captivated by this holy and beautiful place and environment of one of the truly great buildings of what it stands for. Europe. Set high on a rocky promontory next to the Please take a look at our website which I hope Castle with the medieval city below and the River whets your appetite. If it does, I very much look Wear sweeping round, Durham Cathedral is part of forward to hearing from you. the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yours sincerely, Here is what we believe about our identity down the centuries and today, and how we – as the Cathedral’s living community – understand our role as its guardians:

Durham Cathedral is a Christian Church of the Anglican Communion, the shrine of St Cuthbert, the The Very Reverend , seat of the and a focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in North East England.

Information for Candidates 4

Diocese of Durham to the Sea’, but continues a close working relationship with the (the other half of the The histories of both the Diocese and Cathedral of ancient See). The contemporary diocese (map) Durham are inextricably linked with the story of the includes the metropolitan boroughs of origins of Christianity in the North East of England and south of the (South Tyneside, of Holy Island, , where the bishopric was and the City of ); the towns of , created in 635. Following Viking incursions, the See was Stockton-on-Tees and ; together with the removed from Lindisfarne in 875 and translated to rural areas of and Weardale, larges parts of Chester-le-Street in 882, together with the body of St which are located in the North Pennines Area of Cuthbert and the Northumbrian Anglo-Saxon Outstanding Natural Beauty. Treasures (including the Lindisfarne Gospels and the Treasures of St Cuthbert). After a brief sojourn in The Bishop of Durham, The Rt. Revd. , Ripon, the See and Shrine of St Cuthbert found their has led the diocese since 2014, developing a clear final resting-place in Durham in 995. vision for growth within some of the most challenging communities in the country. The key priorities of Uniquely in England, the Norman kings recognised growing churches, of ministry among children & the remoteness of and its strategic young people, and of addressing poverty issues, are importance in relation to Scotland, and gave political, underpinned by innovative training in Missional military and taxation rights to the ‘Prince Bishops’ of Leadership and a determination to work towards Durham, creating the Palatinate. These rights were financial sustainability. These priorities are set out on finally dissolved in 1836. the ‘Plan on a page 2018’ (Appendix 1) under the Today, the Diocese covers the area of historic County diocesan vision of ‘blessing our communities in Jesus’ Durham, ‘From the Tyne to the Tees, from the Dales name for the transformation of us all’.

Information for Candidates 5

Durham Cathedral The tomb of the Venerable Bede, situated in the Galilee Durham means a Cathedral, a Castle, a City and a Chapel, is of equal importance, commemorating ‘the University. In The Buildings of England: , father of English History’ and foremost European theologian, poet, scientist and biographer of his day. the celebrated historian Sir Nikolaus Pevsner describes it as ‘one of the great architectural As a Cathedral for the world of today, we are building experiences of Europe’ or more recently, as the upon major development projects, designed to renowned author Bill Bryson puts it, ‘the best enhance the quality of our welcome. ‘Open Treasure’, a Cathedral on planet earth’. The development of the world-class exhibition experience revealing the story medieval city and the founding of the University in of Durham Cathedral, with interactive exhibits for 1832 owe everything to the increasingly powerful visitors of all ages and a rolling exhibition programme, Benedictine community of monks established on the seeks to do justice to the Cathedral’s incomparable peninsula in 1083, shortly after the Norman Conquest. collections of manuscripts, books, and historic It was they who built the Cathedral as a shrine for St artefacts, including three copies of the Magna Carta. Cuthbert to replace the original ‘White Church’ and later ‘Great Church’ of the Anglo-Saxon monks. The Chorister School has been established at Durham Cathedral for over 600 years. Set in the Durham Cathedral is acknowledged globally for its magnificence of The College, it provides the outstanding architecture and beautiful landscape security and intimacy of a school small enough for setting, often cited as the finest Romanesque church in every child and family to be known and cared about. Europe. It is not surprising that the Durham World It is served by a committed, skilled and qualified Heritage Site was one of the first in the UK to be professional staff and strives to be a centre of inscribed by UNESCO in 1986. excellence across the curriculum with a particular specialty in music. The school is a coeducational day It is not only heritage and landscape that touches so and boarding school with children from 3-13 years. many people. There are few places in England that are The school was rated Excellent in the most recent more imbued with the spirit of the saints, in Durham’s case the holy men and women of the Anglo-Saxon ISI inspection in January 2017. North. St Cuthbert’s Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Cathedral and an inspiration for our life as a community.

Information for Candidates 6

Cathedral Operations & Management Heads of Department meet monthly for a While the Cathedral Council provides general management team meeting where cross- oversight and advice, it is Chapter, consisting of the departmental policies and operational matters are Dean, up to five Ordained and four Lay members, discussed. The meeting also receives an update on which is legally the Cathedral’s governing body. strategic matters being considered at Chapter. Similar to a Board of Trustees, Chapter provides Every 3 months, there is a joint meeting of Chapter strategic leadership and direction, decision-making with Heads of Department to bring together the and scrutiny. The College of Canons is the third strategic and executive functions. element of Cathedral Governance, providing a vital For the future, the Cathedrals’ Working Group link with the Diocese of Durham and with key (appointed by the Archbishops) has reviewed the ecumenical partners. The Cathedral’s governance governance and operations of all Cathedrals, and its structure is set out in Appendix 2. report has been endorsed by the Church of The Chapter Clerk and Chief Operating Officer is England’ national body (General Synod). It is likely the senior member of staff at the Cathedral and is that significant changes will be recommended, responsible to Chapter for administrative support though this will be subject to legal process. However, and functionality, and for matters of statutory many of the proposals are already embedded in compliance across the Cathedral’s operation. current working practices and the Cathedral is working towards creating a senior executive team, Day to day responsibility for the Cathedral’s life is one of the key recommendations. devolved to a number of committees, some of which are required by the Cathedral statutes or by national The Head of Collections has a critical role in the legislation (The Cathedrals Measure 1999). Some are continuing development of the Library to serve the statutory independent bodies, such as the Fabric Cathedral’s mission, care for its collections and Advisory Committee that has a planning role in historic artefacts, work towards financial relation to the Cathedral, and the Finance sustainability and raise the profile of the Library Committee that oversees financial and investment nationally and internationally. strategy.

Information for Candidates 7

Cathedral Values Our Values run through everything that we do. They govern our behaviour and guide us in recognising how we fulfil our vocation as a Cathedral. Our Values highlight the necessity of working in ways that are motivated by wisdom, responsibility, ethics, and above all, the Christian faith which it is our purpose to proclaim and live out. They reflect the qualities we believe are essential to our life and work as a 21st-century cathedral. In all things, we are inspired, motivated and challenged by the Christian faith and the values of the Gospel. Our Values are: SPIRITUALITY We recognise and respond to God’s presence in our world and among us, practising a reflective approach to what we do. RESPECT We recognise the image of God in all human beings, honour their dignity and treat them with courtesy. JUSTICE We deal fairly in our personal and collective behaviours, work to the highest ethical standards, and are honest in our speech and behaviour. We think, speak and act with integrity, are professional in our conduct, and are publicly accountable for our actions. COLLABORATION We are a community founded on trust that prizes team working and builds partnerships that contribute to the common good. SUSTAINABILITY We are business-like in our corporate life and prudent in our stewardship of resources. We pursue the sustainability of our operations and. WELCOME We are welcoming and hospitable to all. We show Christian love and care to our guests and who need our help. ASPIRATION We are an outward-facing Cathedral that reaches for the future with energy and courage, and reaches out to our communities in the hope of personal and social transformation.

Information for Candidates 8

Strategic Plan 2018-2020 The Cathedral has not only a rich and breath-taking past, but also an exciting future. Following a year- long process of collaboration between Chapter and Heads of Department, as well as consultation with key partners, we have recently published a Strategic Plan for 2018-2020. The vision for the next chapter of the Cathedral’s life is: Following the example of Saints Cuthbert and Bede, we share our faith and heritage globally and empower people to transform the communities in which we live and serve. To help us to make progress towards this long-term vision, we have agreed a number of strategic goals in the coming three years: 1. ENRICH: To draw more people into enriching and imaginative encounters with the Cathedral and the Christian faith. 2. CONSERVE: To care for, develop, and improve access to our buildings, collections and environment. 3. PROMOTE: Through our work, and in partnership with others, to promote excellence in the North East and be a force for good in our region. 4. TRANSFORM: To put the development of people at the heart of everything we do so as to transform our communities. 5. SUSTAIN: To achieve greater financial sustainability. Each of these goals is designed to be cross- departmental and is further detailed in objectives you will find in the full plan (Appendix 3).

Role Description 9

Head of Collections  Plan and install high quality temporary The Head of Collections has overall responsibility exhibitions in Open Treasure on a regular for developing, planning and implementing a basis. library and collections strategy for the Cathedral.  Identify opportunities to develop the Accountable to the Canon Librarian, and working Cathedral’s collections in accordance with the closely with the Chapter and members of the Senior Acquisition and Disposal Policy. Management Team, the Head of Collections will  Collaborate with partners on the World develop and raise the profile of the Library, care for Heritage Site to develop the visitor experience, the Cathedral’s collections and work towards and to increase the number of visitors and financial sustainability. length of visits to the WHS.

 Work towards achieving Museum Key Responsibilities: Accreditation status for Open Treasure.

 Work with the University on the Digitisation of Historic Collections: Promotion and Display the Priory Library and the Pigment Analysis of  Ensure best practice in the care of the our historic collections. collections to achieve their proper care and to

enable greater awareness, knowledge and Historic Collections: Care and Conservation understanding of the Cathedral’s collections,  Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge as part of the Cathedrals life and mission. of the collections and history of the Cathedral.  Oversee the creative development of permanent exhibitions of material from the historic collections that interpret the Cathedral’s heritage and attract growing numbers of visitors.

Role Description 10

 Manage the storage and care of Cathedral books, artefacts and objects stored across the Cathedral site, and develop strategies for a medium term solution to storage issues.  Catalogue and conserve all historical objects within the terms laid down by the Cathedrals Measure 1990.  Oversee loans to and from other organisations including international requests.  Advise the Chapter on the legal framework, audit, insurance and ethical standards required for best practice collections management and ensure the standards are applied to Cathedral collections.

Outreach  Develop the Cathedral’s participation in appropriate educational and cultural initiatives, working with colleagues at the Cathedral, the WHS, the County and the Diocese.  Develop programmes to enable access to collections remotely or through outreach.  Develop the Library’s publications and merchandising.

 Develop the Library as an information centre for historical information about the Cathedral.

 Develop opportunities for opening up,  Communicate the Cathedral’s purpose, values revealing and interpreting the collections. and objectives, as well as new policies, to departmental staff. Leadership  Ensure appropriate staff development activities  Work with the Canon Librarian to develop and take place to support the Cathedral’s strategic implement a 15 year strategy for the Cathedral’s plan. library and collections.  Work positively and collaborately with internal  Work towards achieving the financial and external partners, including key stakeholders sustainability of the Library and Collections. such as the Chapter, Heads of Department,  Manage staff in the Collections Department Volunteers and the University. including undertaking annual staff reviews, personal development, induction, probation and succession planning.

Person Specification 11

To be considered for the role of Head of Collections within challenging timescales, whilst you will need to demonstrate that you: delivering a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. (i) Hold a Degree level qualification or equivalent, with supporting evidence of (v) Are able to lead people with clarity, direction, continuous professional development ; or authority and humility and that you are able possess relevant professional experience; to represent the Cathedral at the highest and membership of a recognised levels with confidence, credibility and professional association. diplomacy.

(ii) Are an innovative, self-motivated and results (vi) Have experience of working at a senior driven team player who has applied management level and have applied excellent strategical, analytical and creative skills that business practice and financial management in has contributed toward the achievement of a achieving personal and team targets.

financially sustainable library and collections (vii) Have successful experience of project service. management and planning, delivering and (iii) Are a leader of people, with the ability to evaluating major exhibitions.

influence, inspire and engage; and that you (viii) Have core values that are aligned to those of have strong experience in cataloguing and the Cathedral and have an empathy with the managing special library collections. Cathedral’s vision, mission and values.

(iv) Have excellent IT skills and the ability to work effectively with competing priorities

Terms and Conditions 12

Appointment Induction and Probation Durham Cathedral is able to offer the following The Cathedral supports a culture of professionalism term and conditions and an attractive employee and mutual accountability, including a pattern of remuneration and benefits package: induction and six-month probation. Reporting Pension The post of Head of Collections will report to the The post holder will be automatically enrolled into Canon Chancellor. the Cathedral’s pension scheme, which is a defined contribution scheme. The scheme includes death-in- The Head of Collections is responsible and service life assurance. accountable for the Library & Collections Team. Benefits Salary Staff are able to enjoy discount in the Cathedral Shop and the on-site Restaurant in the Cathedral The position of Head of Collections attracts an annual salary of circa £35,000 within the Cathedral’s Undercroft. An on-line discount platform offering pay structure. reduced prices at a range of high streets shops and services is also available. Working hours Chorister School Discount This is a full-time position. Whilst the full Eligible post-holders may be entitled to a 50% discount equivalent working hours are usually 37.5 hours per on the Cathedral’s Chorister School fees. week, the post holder will be required to work those hours that are necessary for the proper performance of the Head of Collections duties and responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to take a flexible approach and devote the appropriate working hours as circumstances demand. Annual Holiday The annual holiday entitlement is 21 days per annum plus five fixed Cathedral days with a holiday year that runs from 1 January to 31 December. The additional five Cathedral days are fixed holidays on Maundy Thursday, Easter Tuesday, Christmas Eve and the days between Boxing Day and New Years’ Day.

The post holder will also be entitled to the eight recognised public and bank holidays.

How to apply and timetable 13

Durham Cathedral is committed to the principles and processes of Safer Recruitment. Your personal information will be processed in accordance with GDPR. Your application must demonstrate how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification, explaining how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role. The closing date for applications is Monday 10th September 2018. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection event that will take place at the Cathedral on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th September 2018. Should you wish to have a confidential discussion about this role, please call Ian Hunter, Head of HR&OD in the first instance on (0191) 386 4266. We will, of course, respect the privacy of any conversations or expression of interest regarding this post, whether formal or informal.

Statements: 14

(i) Equality (ii) Safeguarding Durham Cathedral recognises that discrimination and Durham Cathedral is committed to: victimisation are unacceptable and that it is in the • safeguarding, caring for and nurturing children and interests of the Cathedral and its employees to utilise young people in the Cathedral and community. the skills of the total workforce. It is the aim of Durham Cathedral to ensure that no employee or job • safeguarding and caring for vulnerable adults in the applicant to the Cathedral receives less favourable Cathedral and community. treatment (either directly or indirectly) in recruitment or employment on grounds of age, disability, gender/ • informing those involved with children and gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, vulnerable adults in our church of the behaviour pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or expected of them. sexual orientation (defined as the protected • explaining the procedure for background checks of characteristics in the Equality Act 2010). those involved with children and vulnerable adults in the Cathedral. • protecting adult members of the church from malicious or false accusations of abuse.

Further Information 15

Further information is available on our website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk Our Purpose: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us Our Values: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/values Our Governance (including an Annual Report; and our Strategic and Operational Goals): www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/governance Our Members of Chapter: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/about-us/chapter Other useful information: www.thechoristerschool.com www.lumiere-festival.com/durham-2017 www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/28/ st-cuthberts-coffin-durham-cathedral

Map of the Diocese of Durham 16

v o ng Capacity Ministerial D e p Development Reviews; Staff e l i Appraisals; Staff & Volunteer

Appendix 1 - Diocese of Durham Plan on a Page 2018 17

Development; Evaluation of Activities.

Appendix 2 - Durham Cathedral Governance Structure 18

College Of Cathedral Communications Audit Canons Council

Chapter Worship Chorister School GB

Major Events FAC Working Group

Finance & General Purposes Committee

Resources Committee

Diary Nave

Investment Investment Committee Committee (Property) (Finance) Exhibitions Committee Open Treasure Staff Fabric Forum Committee Committee Library Advisory Committee

Appendix 3 - Strategic Plan 2018-2020 19

Durham Cathedral is a Christian Church of the Anglican Aspiration Communion, the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the We are an outward-facing Cathedral that reaches for Venerable Bede, the Seat of the Bishop of Durham and a the future with energy and courage, and reaches out to focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in north-east England. our communities in the hope of personal and social Our Purpose transformation. Our purpose is to worship God, share the gospel of Jesus Christ, welcome all who come, celebrate and pass on our rich Christian heritage and discover our Our Strategic Goals: 2018 – 2020 place in God’s creation. 1. ENRICH: To draw more people into Our Vision enriching and imaginative encounters with Following the example of Saints Cuthbert and Bede, the Cathedral and the Christian faith. we share our faith and heritage globally and empower people to transform the communities in which we live 1.1. We will continue to develop the Cathedral’s offer and serve. to visitors and promote it widely.

Our Values 1.2. We will continue to develop both traditional and In all things, we are inspired, motivated and challenged innovative forms of worship to engage with a by the Christian faith and the values of the Gospel. broader worshipping constituency. Spirituality 1.3. We will extend our parish, ecumenical and We recognise and respond to God’s presence in our world and among us, practising a reflective approach community engagement through welcome, to what we do. worship, education and outreach, supporting the Bishop’s mission. Respect We recognise the image of God in all human beings, 1.4. We will develop a pilgrimage programme that is honour their dignity and treat them with courtesy. diocesan, national and international leading to Pilgrimage 2020. Justice We deal fairly in our personal and collective behaviours, work to the highest ethical standards, and are honest in our speech and behaviour. We think, 2. CONSERVE: To care for, develop, and speak and act with integrity, are professional in our improve access to our buildings, collections conduct, and are publicly accountable for our actions. and environment.

Collaboration 2.1. We will continue to improve the management, We are a community founded on trust that prizes team stewardship and promotion of the Cathedral’s working and builds partnerships that contribute to the collections. common good. 2.2. We will develop capacity, either in-house or Sustainability through partnerships, to manage and conserve We are business-like in our corporate life and prudent our buildings, collections and environment. in our stewardship of resources. We pursue the sustainability of our operations and environment. 2.3. We will establish and embark on 15-year repair Welcome and maintenance plans for the Cathedral and We are welcoming and hospitable to all. We show Precinct (including Riverbanks), identifying Christian love and care to our guests and those who appropriate opportunities to develop public need our help. access to and use of both.

Appendix 3 - Strategic Plan 2018-2020 20

3. PROMOTE: Through our work, and in 5. SUSTAIN: To achieve greater financial partnership with others, to promote sustainability. excellence in the North East and be a force for 5.1. We will produce and implement 3-year business good in our region. plans for Durham Cathedral, Durham Cathedral 3.1. We will continue to enhance the Cathedral’s Open Treasure and Durham Cathedral Trading economic contribution regionally and nationally Ltd. through taking initiatives to increase visitor 5.2. We will continue to grow voluntary, ticketed and numbers and dwell-time in North East England. commercial income, including the expendable 3.2. We will actively promote and facilitate dialogue endowment for fabric. and public debate across the region, enhancing 5.3. We will monitor financial performance and the role of the Cathedral as the seat of the control costs by establishing a rigorous and timely Bishop’s teaching ministry. financial reporting regime. 3.3. We will aim to achieve nationally recognised 5.4. We will improve cash management so as to standards of excellence across the Cathedral and achieve a steady state cash flow and remove the celebrate these achievements. need for loan finance. 3.4. We will build on the excellent standards of The Chorister School by growing pupil numbers, careful resource management and the development of the Chorister Endowment Fund.

4. TRANSFORM: To put the development of people at the heart of everything we do so as to transform our communities. 4.1. Through organisational development and workforce planning we will better harness the skills and talents of the Cathedral’s staff and volunteers, in support of the Cathedral’s vision and mission. 4.2. We will support lifelong learning and encourage inter-generational engagement within our community. 4.3. We will improve our internal communications and the flow of information across the Cathedral.